Central England Academy Trust

About Us Our Team

Central Team

Executive Leadership Team

Andrew Dickinson

Chief Executive Officer

I am the CEO of Central England Academy Trust. I started my teaching career in 2002 as a secondary school History teacher, before moving to the primary sector where I have worked in senior leadership positions across three local authorities since 2008. My experience includes working as:

a Headteacher for over 10 years
an Executive Headteacher over two primary schools
a National Leader of Education (NLE) providing system leadership support to other schools and leaders
Head of a National Teaching School
the Accounting Officer in a Multi Academy Trust
the School Improvement Director in a Multi Academy Trust

I am passionate about education, and making sure that all young people are given every opportunity to grow, flourish and excel.

Ben Elliott

Chief Finance and People Officer

I am the Chief Finance & People Officer of Central England Academy Trust. I obtained a 1st Class BSc (Hons) and MSc (Merit) in Economics during my time at university before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2009. I am now a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

In my career I have worked for a Big Four accountancy firm, a Midlands police force and an investment bank across a number of different roles. I have worked in the education sector since 2012 and enjoy it immensely. I have completed a Diploma in Human Resource Management during my time in education and am now an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development.

My current focus of work includes the planning and delivery of a new secondary school opening for the Trust in Nuneaton in the near future. I am passionate about ensuring high standards of education to improve life chances for all pupils.

Claire Warren

Chief Operations Officer

I have been employed in the Education Sector for 24 years. Having started as an administrator in varying Local Authority departments I moved into support services and alternative provision before taking up a management position at Etone College and then embarking on a trainee Bursar role at Higham Lane School, a large mainstream secondary. This resulted in me gaining my Certificate in School Business Management.

Prior to my appointment at Oak Wood Schools I had taken my previous school through Academisation, been a pilot school for Warwickshire and was responsible for the day to day running of finance, estates, HR and health and safety. As continuous professional development I am considering undertaking the Level 5 Diploma for School Business Leaders or the new Level 6 Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) for School Professionals, keeping abreast of the knowledge and skills required to continue to be successful in my role. I am passionate about the day to day operations in school and in providing support services to allow our teachers to concentrate on teaching and learning, it is incredibly important to me to have professional, dedicated, well informed colleagues who feel supported and therefore empowered to carry out their duties to the highest standards.

Since joining Oak Wood in July 2018 I have been accepted quickly into the school’s communities. I feel incredibly lucky to now work strategically having the opportunity for input on the direction of the Trust and to make a difference at such an exciting time for the schools.